How to track a phone that is turned off

Device links

• Android
• iPhone
• Device missing?

There was a time when locating someone’s location required a lot of work. Nowadays, it’s not that difficult, but instead of some government agency, it could be some random person with decent computer software and knowledge of how current technology works.

All modern devices give you the option to track their location, a feature that can be more than useful. For example, have you lost or stolen your device? Or maybe you want to prepare your device for that situation, just in case? Don’t worry, you are in the right place. Follow the steps below to learn how to track your phone in case you need to know where it is.

How to track an Android phone that is turned off

Although it’s much easier to find your phone when it’s on, there are ways to do it if it’s off as well. However, the location you will get is the last location the phone was in before you turned it off. Here’s how to do it:

1. Googleandroid.com/searchor open the Find my device app on a friend’s Android phone.
   
   • The app will allow you to access the location of the phone you lost through your friend’s device.
2. Sign in to your Google account (the one connected to your device).
3. In the list of devices that appear, click on the missing one and its last location will appear.
   

While it may not seem like much, getting the last location of your device can in some cases be a big clue, assuming someone didn’t pick it up and it wasn’t stolen.

Use Google Maps to find your Android phone

Your phone must have the “Find My Device” app for this to work. The app must be linked to your Google account so you can view your phone’s location history.

1. Sign in to your Google account.
2. Open google maps.
   
3. Click on your profile icon in the upper right corner of the screen.
   
4. Select Your timeline from the drop-down list.
   
5. In the window that appears, enter the date you lost your device.
   

You will be allowed access to the list of the last locations where the device was reported.

How to track an iPhone that is turned off

Apple devices use the Find My app to locate and track any device you may have. We will provide you with the process of enabling the application in it Settings section, if you haven’t already, later in the article. For now, we’ll assume you have the app enabled and are trying to track your phone using a friend’s device:

Note: They will need to sign in to their iCloud account for the process to work.

1. Have them open the find me app on your device.
   
2. Select the Me eyelash.
   
3. Select the Help a friend option located at the bottom.
   
4. You must now log iniCloud.
   • If a message asks you to sign in using a face ID, select Use a different Apple ID.
5. Ask them to sign in with their iCloud ID and password.
   
6. When prompted to save your password, click Not nowand they can use the app to find their device.
7. A map will show the device’s last location (or, if it’s on, its current location).
   
8. When they are done, ask them to click on their name in the top right corner and Disconnect.
   

How to find your iPhone using an iPad

For owners of multiple Apple devices, the process may be a little easier. For example, on an iPad:

1. Open the find me app on your iPad.
   
2. Tap on the Devices and the location of the devices you have connected will be shown on the map.
   
   • If a device is turned off, it will appear but with a black screen; This will be the last location your phone was before you turned it off or turned it off.
3. Tap the device icon if you need directions.
   
4. If the device is offline but not dead, tap the Play sound option to locate it.
   
5. If it is turned off or without power and you can’t find it, you can click the Let me know when you find option.
   
   • This sends a notification and location update to your iPad when the device is on.

How to find your iPhone using a computer

Another option, if you don’t have an iPad, is to use your computer:

1. OpeniCloudon your computer.
   
2. Sign in with your Apple ID and password.
   
3. Click find iPhone.
   
4. Click All devices on top.
   
5. Choose your missing device.
   
6. The map will show where the device was last located (if it is off) or where it is currently located (if the device is on).

Set up the Find My app on your iPhone

For anyone who wants to avoid future misfortunes, here’s how to enable the app to help you find your device in the worst case scenario:

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
   
2. Tap your name.
   
3. Select find me in the list below.
   
4. Toggle the Share my location option activated.
   
5. Add any friends or family members you want who can see your phone at the bottom.
   
6. Then tap find my iphone.
   
7. Activate the option.
   
8. Toggle the Find my network option activated.
   
   • This allows you to find your iPhone even if it is turned off or turned off.
9. Light Send last locationand you will be able to see where the iPhone was before it turned off.
   

This should give you peace of mind knowing that you’ve done your best to prepare for the worst-case scenario.

How to enable lost mode and what that means

This is the last option and the last step you will take if the device is lost and cannot be found. When enabled, the option will lock your phone remotely and send you a message with a phone number where someone can contact you. Your Apple Pay will be disabled along with most notifications. The device will still be able to receive calls andFace to facemessages.

This mode remotely activates your location services, allowing you to locate the device in the Find My app. Mark as lost Requires your phone to have a battery to work. But if the battery is dead, it is still possible to enable the option. However, the mode will be activated when it is turned on again and connected to the Internet or Bluetooth.

Follow the steps below if this is your last resort:

1. Open the find me app on your other device.
   
2. Select the lost device.
3. Low Mark as lostselect Activate.
   
4. Tap Continue.
   
5. Enter a phone number where you can be contacted in case the device is found.
   
6. Tap Next in the upper right corner of the screen.
   
7. Enter a message to display from the locked screen of the lost device.
   
8. Tap Activate in the upper right corner.
   

Although taking this step means that you still don’t know the location of your device, try to take comfort in knowing that you’ve done everything you can.

Not all prophecies come true

Nothing is black or white. Although some people may think that providing your location to a corporation is not advisable, we must remember that, in many cases, it may be the only way to recover your device. The data (files, photos, videos and contacts) that we store on these devices means a lot to us and we must protect them.

We hope the article has helped you prepare for or avoid the worst-case scenario. In case you find yourself searching for a lost phone or other device, we wish you the best of luck in your search.

Write to us in the comments section if you found our work useful.